Trip Style
Original
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
TVSF
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 10 Day Vietnam Express Southbound. Discover the essence of captivating Vietnam on this ten-day tour through backstreets, villages, cities and waterways. Trace the east coast on this fast-paced adventure and take in World Heritage-listed landscapes and towns, feel the buzz of bustling cities and fuel yourself with banh mi and condensed milk coffee.
As lively as it is lovely, Vietnam can seem an intimidating place to travel, but your local leaders will guide you to the best street food (and tell you how to order it), introduce you to...read more fishermen on the Mekong Delta and give you the inside scoop on the best tailors in Hoi An. This is an adventure full of life, colour and flavour that introduces you to the highlights of this fascinating nation.
As lively as it is lovely, Vietnam can seem an intimidating place to travel, but your local leaders will guide you to the best street food (and tell you how to order it), introduce you to...read more fishermen on the Mekong Delta and give you the inside scoop on the best tailors in Hoi An. This is an adventure full of life, colour and flavour that introduces you to the highlights of this fascinating nation.
Itinerary
Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at the hotel and is followed by a group dinner at KOTO restaurant. This organisation is dedicated to developing the hospitality careers of disadvantaged youth. If you arrive early, there’s plenty to see and do. Consider booking the Hanoi Street Food Experience at 9 am (see urbanadventures. com/en for details). You'll get to sample delicious Vietnamese cuisine like a true local, stroll through the hidden alleyways and bustling markets and take in a spectacular view of Hoan Kiem lake from a secret café. Or maybe take it at your own pace and wander the Old Quarter to admire the city’s French-colonial architecture. (D)
Travel by private minibus to World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay, which is dotted with sandy coves, grottoes and 1600 limestone islands formed over millennia by wind and water erosion. Board a private boat and cruise the bay, exploring Surprise Cave and perhaps even enjoying a swim from Ti Top Island Beach during the warmer months. Access to Surprise Cave is via staircases. Once inside the cave the pathways are a little uneven and slippery. To end the day, spend an evening aboard the boat beneath the night sky. What better way to get to know your fellow travellers than an old school sleepover in an unforgettable location? (B/L/D)
Wake up on the waters of Ha Long Bay, and before you leave the memorable scenery behind, it’s time for one last stop. The Green Life Centre is committed to turning Halong Bay’s trash into treasure by collecting discarded items and skillfully turning them into beautiful handicrafts. Meet the team behind this important cause and learn how to transform rubbish into a useful and reusable bag. After your visit, return by bus to Hanoi. Arrive late this afternoon and enjoy free time until tonight’s train voyage. Be sure to grab a bowl of pho while you’re in town and slurp down this local specialty made from broth, noodles and meat. Maybe chill by Hoan Kiem Lake until you board an overnight train to Hue this evening. (B)
Arrive in Hue this morning and transfer to the hotel. Once the imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue holds the treasures of the country’s royal past. Enjoy free time in the morning to rest or explore. If you choose the latter (and who can blame you) the bustling Dong Ba Market is a great place to sample some of the specialties that once graced the Nguyen emperors' tables like banh khoai (royal rice cake). Reunite with the group to visit the war-damaged ruins of the Imperial Citadel, a sprawling city-within-a-city which contains the remains of temples, state houses and the emperor’s palace.
See Hue like a local – from the back of a motorbike! Straddle the saddle and whiz around town with a local guide, taking in historic and contemporary sights along the way. Stop at Thanh Toan to see the 18th-century covered bridge and villagers shopping at their local market. Visit the 17th-century active Buddhist monastery of Thien Mu Pagoda and see the car that belonged to Thich Quang Duc, the monk who self-immolated in 1963 in protest against the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime. For lunch, savour a vegetarian feast in a nunnery. Finish at the lakeside royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc before heading back to town. (B/L)
This morning travel by bus through coastal rice paddies and the spectacular Hai Van Pass. After a photo stop on the way, arrive into Hoi An. Recently declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An was a major international trading port during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Today, parts of the beautifully-preserved town retain the feel of centuries past. It's also a shopping mecca, famous for its plethora of tailors. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a sightseeing walk through the Old Town to visit a handful of the city's major attractions. You’ll also be given a sightseeing pass so you can further explore select attractions at your leisure. (B)
Today is a free day to explore Hoi An. Maybe browse the cobbled streets and art galleries or hire a bike and cycle through rice paddies out to Cua Dai Beach. Maybe browse for paintings, ceramics and colourful cloth lanterns in the town’s markets and preserved Chinese shophouses. If you’re craving a new look, you could pay a visit to one of the hundreds of tailors and get something special made. Hoi An is also known for its delicious regional food, so be sure to enjoy a meal at a riverside restaurant or perhaps partake in a cooking class. (B)
Today take a short, early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City has a fascinating history and is arguably Vietnam’s capital of commerce and culture. After landing, take a sightseeing tour around the city by bus. Pass the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Opera House, then stop in at the War Remnants Museum to discover some of the sobering stories of the 20-year-long Vietnam/American War. (B)
This morning head out on a day trip to explore the Mekong Delta. Board a private boat to Ben Tre to visit the coconut gardens and stop at a local home to sample tropical fruits and coconut jams. After, paddle in sampans (small rowing boats) past coconut trees along the Mekong Delta. Take a tuk-tuk tour around the villages and learn about rural life and the industry created around coconut products like brooms and coconut fibre mats. Eat lunch at a restaurant in the heart of the Delta, sampling regional specialties such as the famous elephant ear fish. Cruise the major waterways to Ben Tre boat pier, then return by bus to Ho Chi Minh City. This evening, perhaps head out to sample some local specialties as a final farewell with your fellow travellers and leader. (B/L)
There are no activities included and you’re free to depart your accommodation at any time as long as you comply with check out time. If you would like to spend some more time in Ho Chi Minh City, just speak to your booking agent. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Fall in love with Vietnam one bite at a time, from pho, slurped on a busy street corner to a vegetarian feast in a Buddhist nunnery.
- Sail through Halong Bay's limestone karsts and island caves, visit a centre that turns the bay's discarded trash into treasures and spend the night checking out the stars on an overnight cruise.
- Travel like a local on a motorbike tour, riding pillion and taking in the historical pagodas, bridges and villages of Hue.
- Embrace a slower pace during a private boat tour of the Mekong Delta and meet local craftspeople in the villages that line the river's myriad waterways.
- Wander through the remarkably well-preserved streets of Hoi An's Old Town on a guided tour, where elegant wooden buildings line the canals.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Save Vietnam's Wildlife. Donations help them provide support for endangered wildlife and protect critical animal habitats in Vietnam. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
- Hotel (7 nights)
- Overnight boat (1 night)
- Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
- 8 Breakfasts included
- 3 Lunches included
- 2 Dinners included
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Availability
Wednesday
22 Jan 2025
Friday
31 Jan 2025
Status
From:
$1,970
N/A
Sunday
26 Jan 2025
Tuesday
04 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$2,070
N/A
Monday
27 Jan 2025
Wednesday
05 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$2,070
N/A
Wednesday
29 Jan 2025
Friday
07 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$1,990
Sold Out
Thursday
30 Jan 2025
Saturday
08 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$2,090
Sold Out
Sunday
02 Feb 2025
Tuesday
11 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$2,080
Sold Out
Monday
03 Feb 2025
Wednesday
12 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$2,170
Sold Out
Wednesday
05 Feb 2025
Friday
14 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$2,095
Sold Out
Thursday
06 Feb 2025
Saturday
15 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$2,160
Sold Out
Tuesday
11 Feb 2025
Thursday
20 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$2,060
Sold Out
Friday
14 Feb 2025
Sunday
23 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$2,170
Sold Out
Sunday
16 Feb 2025
Tuesday
25 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$1,895
Sold Out
Monday
17 Feb 2025
Wednesday
26 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$1,920
Sold Out
Wednesday
19 Feb 2025
Friday
28 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$1,940
Sold Out
Monday
24 Feb 2025
Wednesday
05 Mar 2025
Status
From:
$1,970
Sold Out
Monday
17 Mar 2025
Wednesday
26 Mar 2025
Status
From:
$2,360
Sold Out
Exclusive Savings
Monday
15 Dec 2025
Wednesday
24 Dec 2025
Status
From: $2,045
$2,004
Save $41
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Tuesday
16 Dec 2025
Thursday
25 Dec 2025
Status
From: $2,045
$2,004
Save $41
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday
17 Dec 2025
Friday
26 Dec 2025
Status
From: $2,045
$2,004
Save $41
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Thursday
18 Dec 2025
Saturday
27 Dec 2025
Status
From: $2,045
$2,004
Save $41
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Saturday
20 Dec 2025
Monday
29 Dec 2025
Status
From: $2,045
$2,004
Save $41
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Sunday
21 Dec 2025
Tuesday
30 Dec 2025
Status
From: $2,045
$2,004
Save $41
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Monday
22 Dec 2025
Wednesday
31 Dec 2025
Status
From: $2,065
$2,024
Save $41
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Tuesday
23 Dec 2025
Thursday
01 Jan 2026
Status
From: $2,045
$2,004
Save $41
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday
24 Dec 2025
Friday
02 Jan 2026
Status
From: $2,045
$2,004
Save $41
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Thursday
25 Dec 2025
Saturday
03 Jan 2026
Status
From: $2,045
$2,004
Save $41
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Saturday
27 Dec 2025
Monday
05 Jan 2026
Status
From: $2,045
$2,004
Save $41
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Sunday
28 Dec 2025
Tuesday
06 Jan 2026
Status
From: $2,045
$2,004
Save $41
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Monday
29 Dec 2025
Wednesday
07 Jan 2026
Status
From: $2,045
$2,004
Save $41
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Tuesday
30 Dec 2025
Thursday
08 Jan 2026
Status
From: $2,045
$2,004
Save $41
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday
31 Dec 2025
Friday
09 Jan 2026
Status
From: $2,045
$2,004
Save $41
Enquire
Wednesday
22 Jan 2025
Friday
31 Jan 2025
Status
From:
$2,225
N/A
Sunday
26 Jan 2025
Tuesday
04 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$2,325
N/A
Monday
27 Jan 2025
Wednesday
05 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$2,325
N/A
Wednesday
29 Jan 2025
Friday
07 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$2,245
Sold Out
Thursday
30 Jan 2025
Saturday
08 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$2,345
Sold Out
Sunday
02 Feb 2025
Tuesday
11 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$2,335
Sold Out
Monday
03 Feb 2025
Wednesday
12 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$2,425
Sold Out
Wednesday
05 Feb 2025
Friday
14 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$2,350
Sold Out
Thursday
06 Feb 2025
Saturday
15 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$2,415
Sold Out
Tuesday
11 Feb 2025
Thursday
20 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$2,315
Sold Out
Friday
14 Feb 2025
Sunday
23 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$2,425
Sold Out
Sunday
16 Feb 2025
Tuesday
25 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$2,150
Sold Out
Monday
17 Feb 2025
Wednesday
26 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$2,175
Sold Out
Wednesday
19 Feb 2025
Friday
28 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$2,195
Sold Out
Monday
24 Feb 2025
Wednesday
05 Mar 2025
Status
From:
$2,225
Sold Out
Monday
17 Mar 2025
Wednesday
26 Mar 2025
Status
From:
$2,615
Sold Out
Exclusive Savings
Monday
15 Dec 2025
Wednesday
24 Dec 2025
Status
From: $2,300
$2,259
Save $41
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Tuesday
16 Dec 2025
Thursday
25 Dec 2025
Status
From: $2,300
$2,259
Save $41
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday
17 Dec 2025
Friday
26 Dec 2025
Status
From: $2,300
$2,259
Save $41
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Exclusive Savings
Thursday
18 Dec 2025
Saturday
27 Dec 2025
Status
From: $2,300
$2,259
Save $41
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Saturday
20 Dec 2025
Monday
29 Dec 2025
Status
From: $2,300
$2,259
Save $41
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Exclusive Savings
Sunday
21 Dec 2025
Tuesday
30 Dec 2025
Status
From: $2,300
$2,259
Save $41
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Exclusive Savings
Monday
22 Dec 2025
Wednesday
31 Dec 2025
Status
From: $2,320
$2,279
Save $41
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Tuesday
23 Dec 2025
Thursday
01 Jan 2026
Status
From: $2,300
$2,259
Save $41
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday
24 Dec 2025
Friday
02 Jan 2026
Status
From: $2,300
$2,259
Save $41
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Exclusive Savings
Thursday
25 Dec 2025
Saturday
03 Jan 2026
Status
From: $2,300
$2,259
Save $41
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Saturday
27 Dec 2025
Monday
05 Jan 2026
Status
From: $2,300
$2,259
Save $41
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Sunday
28 Dec 2025
Tuesday
06 Jan 2026
Status
From: $2,300
$2,259
Save $41
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Monday
29 Dec 2025
Wednesday
07 Jan 2026
Status
From: $2,300
$2,259
Save $41
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Tuesday
30 Dec 2025
Thursday
08 Jan 2026
Status
From: $2,300
$2,259
Save $41
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday
31 Dec 2025
Friday
09 Jan 2026
Status
From: $2,300
$2,259
Save $41
Enquire
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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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